- An everyday bag that is still cool enough to take to a blogging event
- A pair of jeans that aren't your basic blue skinnies. Something edgy and incorporating hot denim trends for fall
- A dress I could wear to a daytime wedding, a blog event, a date night
- Trendy shoes available in wide widths
- Tops that look good under blazers without appearing corporate. Focusing on colors that complement wine, burgundy, and berry since I already have that in my wardrobe
Kelsey knows my budget (I don't buy a lot so I am willing to pay a bit more) and my size. I have to say my stylist Kelsey got me and my needs pretty well with this Trunk plus added a few unexpected extras. Below, what I received in my Trunk Club Trunk and whether I kept it or returned it:
Pretty Dresses for A Variety of Occasions
Halogen Wrap Dress - Black Multi Floral, size Large
I was considering ordering this dress myself, but wasn't sure which pattern to choose (it comes in four prints and two solids). I likely wouldn't have chosen this print... but I like it! I think it would look good with black tall boots, or black tights and booties. I also think this print would look great with a denim jacket or a leather biker jacket. This is a really nice dress. It's the kind you can wear to work, but also wear for a night out. I don't have the neckline pinned, I likely would just to keep it a comfortable depth. I also think I would prefer this dress in petite as the sleeves are a bit too long. This dress isn't super stretchy like many wrap dresses; it has stretch but the fabric looks a bit more expensive and has a nice drape. I really like the cuff detail. I think I may exchange this dress for a petite. This dress retails for $99, comes in regular and petite sizes up to XXL.
Eliza J Floral Faux Wrap Dress - Size 14
Trendy Jeans
PAIGE 'Hoxton' High Wasit Ankle Straight Leg Jeans - Sahara Leopard, size 32
FRAME Velveteen HIgh Waist Ankle Skinny Pants - Pinot, size 32
These jeans are not made for my figure. I struggled to pull these up over my calves, and they're super stretchy jeans, They make my butt, which I find one of my assets, to look saggy. However, they are a positively stunning color and the velvet is rich and gorgeous and totally on trend. They would look awesome with a simple sweater, or a band t-shirt and blazer. But they are NOT for me and considering how they fit, I doubt I'll try FRAME jeans again. These jeans sell for $235, come in sizes 23-33, and along with this color they also come in black.
MOTHER 'The Inside' Crop Jeans - Guilty Racer, size 32
Tops to Wear With Blazers and Jackets
Gibson V-Neck Shell - Blue, size L
This shell is such a gorgeous shade of blue. This is the kind of blue that goes with unexpected things like burgundy, brown, and olive but also looks amazing with black, white, other bold colors, and classic neutrals. With a hint of texture, this shell isn't boring and would be great under blazers and soft jackets for the workplace or if you have a polished weekend style. I have neither lifestyle, and this shell just looks too corporate for my current closet. But if you're looking for a simple shell, this is a great choice. It comes in this great blue color as well as black and two prints. This shell retails for $49 and comes in regular and petite sizes up to XXL.
1901 Short Sleeve Graphic Tee - Navy, size Large
Mural Oversize Blazer - Purple, size XL
Casual Shoes in Wide Widths
Louise et Cie 'Bayne' Loafer - Leopard Pony Hair
These loafers are GORGEOUS. I opened the box and squealed with joy. See, I love the look of loafers and for years have included leopard pony hair loafers in capsule wardrobes yet I've never owned a pair because my feet and loafers are not friends. My feet are not only wide, but puffy/tall and loafers make my feet look like loaves of bread rising out of the pan. I totally expected to not even be able to fit my foot in these loafers... but they did. I then expected the shoes to press on my instep and cause my foot to squish out like dough from all sides... and they don't really. They're also well made (I have other Louise et Cie shoes and they're pretty comfy and high quality). My only hesitation is how my ankles look with a high vamp shoe. I just don't think they're terribly flattering. I like that they provide more coverage than a flat for when the temps drop, but I worry I'll buy them and rarely wear them because they accentuate my cankles. These loafers retail for $139.95 and come in regular and wide widths; this link is for the same exact loafer but in three colors of smooth leather.
Bella Vita 'Eli' Cutout Bootie - Blush Suede
Everyday Bags with Style
Danielle Nicole 'Nolan' Faux Leather Crossbody Bag - Purple
The purple pieces in this Trunk surprised me... but then I found I really liked it. I've never been one to wear a lot of purple, but after this Trunk I may incorporate more of it into my closet. This bag is a great size with a great strap length that works on the shoulder or across the body and really smart storage and pockets. The bag also comes in a sunny yellow. It's a practical bag... but I don't like it. I'm not against faux leather but it either needs to look a heck of a lot like the real deal or it needs to admit it's a different textile and rock its unique self. This bag does neither. The texture is described as snake-embossed but it just looks like a weird texture trying to be Saffiano leather. I usually appreciate a bag free of superflous hardware, but this bag having so little hardware made it look cheap. And for a faux leather bag, it's not cheap. If this bag came in faux patent leather, I think it would be chic, but I didn't dig this color and fabric combo. This bag retails for $98.
ALLSAINTS 'Voltaire' Leather Tote - Smoky Blue
Clare V. Simple Stripe Suede Tote - Black
I love Clare V. If I were rich, I'd own a ton from the brand, but I'm not so all I own is one foldover clutch. But I saw this bag before Kelsey sent it to me, and admired it. The price is higher than I am comfortable with, but I think of how often I use my Clare V. clutch. I also didn't know which color to get (it comes in black suede, olive suede, marigold suede, white leather which gives a Gucci vibe, and camel suede). Kelsey picked the black which likely works the best with my wardrobe. I got it... and was underwhelmed. The short handles are thin, so if you put a lot in the bag they may hurt your hand or get stretched. The bag is very bare bones without lining or compartments. That's fine, but for the price I'd want a bit more... something. But then I put the bag on my shoulder with the removeable strap and I liked the bag a LOT more. It's chic, smart, looks designer but no logos. And I'd totally buy it... if it was under $300. But it's closer to $500 and that makes me throw up a little in my mouth for such a simplistic bag. This bag retails for $465.
My Fall Trunk Club Review
While the style was more "me," I didn't end up keeping a lot of it. However, I do NOT see this Trunk as a fail. I tried brands I would normally not try, silhouettes I'd assume I couldn't wear, and colors I normally don't gravitate towards and all were positive experiences. It helped me see what I own in a new light and narrow down what I actually need this season versus what I want after seeing NYFW and so many bloggers in fall fashion.
While I was not paid to do this review, all links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or sign up for Trunk Club through any of these links I may make a small commission. I am happy to honestly answer any questions regarding Trunk Club. Also, if you have used Trunk Club, whether or not your experience was positive, do share your thoughts in the comments to provide a balanced Trunk Club review to other readers of Wardrobe Oxygen.